Bedford solar project advances as contractors file permits and bond sale set for July

Town of Bedford Energy Commission members said construction plans for the Chopper Road solar facility have been filed with state agencies and contractors have been authorized to purchase long-lead materials as the project moves toward construction.

The commission reviewed a town manager update noting that teams handling financing, engineering and construction are preparing bond-rating materials. A rating call took place June 17 and the bond sale was scheduled for July 9, 2025; commission members said they were awaiting final permit approvals before construction could begin.

Members discussed on-site preparation work: subcontractors and the developer had recently visited the site to identify laydown and staging areas. Commission members said a contractor presence on site is expected in September if permits and financing proceed as planned.

Commissioners also discussed the project’s prospective federal grant support. No federal award had been confirmed; members said receiving a grant would lower the town’s net project cost but that the project would proceed without grant funding if necessary, with a correspondingly longer payback period.

No formal vote or new authorization for the Chopper Road project was taken during the meeting. Members agreed to report updates at future meetings when permits or financing decisions are finalized.